When an accident occurs, it is not always readily apparent who is at fault and who is responsible for the crash. There are, however, certain aspects of the accident that makes it easy to determine who or what caused the accident.
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Police Reports.
The first course of action that should be taken when an accident occurs is to call the police. When they have been able to bring calm and stability to the site of the crash, a very necessary preliminary investigation will begin. The investigation not only helps decipher the extent of the damage and how the accident occurred in the first place. It also answers the question ‘what caused the accident?‘. Through the result of the investigation, the police report will be able to firmly establish who was responsible and legal claims can be made.
Surveillance Cameras.
Another very telling tool used in investigating the cause of an accident is the surveillance cameras surrounding the vicinity where the accident occurred. Surveillance cameras are so handy because they give a panoramic view of the entire incident from its unfortunate beginning to its conclusion. It shows who did what, when, and how. Surveillance cameras provide indisputable facts. The truth cannot be denied because the footage is there for everyone to see. Oftentimes, the evidence from surveillance cameras is all that needs to finalize a case.
Eyewitness Accounts.
Eyewitness accounts are another very strong way of determining the cause of an accident. It is also most effective if the statements of the many witnesses tally. This simply indicates that the trajectory of the accident and who was at fault was clear to see. Such witness testaments often hold up well and can be the difference between winning and losing a case. Victims of accidents should take down the statement of witnesses as soon as it occurs and while their memory is still fresh. Having their names and contact information is also wise as it makes it easy to contact them if the need arises.
Pictures From the Scene.
Taking pictures from the scene of the accident is just as valuable as having surveillance cameras. It is another effective way of preserving the integrity of an accident scene. If pictures are taken soon after an accident occurs, it ensures that the conditions relevant to determining the cause of the accident and who is at fault. It also ensures that evidence is not manipulated by anyone.
Forensic Analysis.
Forensic analysts can also be brought in when the case is particularly tricky to decipher. They specialize in sifting through all the evidence available and also find pieces that have been missed to discover exactly how the accident occurred. Everything from the police report to the medical reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and photographs are meticulously picked apart to determine cause and fault.
Conclusion.
There are a few other factors that are used to investigate cause and fault in accidents but these are the major ones. These are absolutely necessary steps that need to be taken by the victim, their attorney, the police, and all parties involved to ensure that the truth is found and justice is rightly served.
